I wrote this week about My Problem With eMusic, their payment structure and a lack of free track accounting. An industry insider agreed, but reactions from readers and across the net have been mixed. Just in case I’ve got anyone’s attention, here’s how I think eMusic can save it’s soul and help indie music by building on top of its strengths and existing infrastructure and business model.
MAKE eMUSIC THE #1 DESTINATION FOR INDIE MUSIC- Make all blogs, music discovery features and forums public
- Aggregate top niche music bloggers
- Include all indie culture: film, art, books, fashion, sports
- Build a community
- Link with hip vendors
- Launch an "INDIE ONLY" MP3 download store
- No major label product
- No subscription required
- Deep catalog
- Variable pricing
- Create a home for D.I.Y. artists
- Keep selling subscriptions
- Subscribers become V.I.P’s
- Similar tracks per month
- Add discounts & privileges
- Fewer free tracks
- Full accounting transparency
- Subscribers become V.I.P’s
